Jackett's Praise

We played enough good football to create the chances which got us in front and also got an excellent clean sheet "

Kenny Jackett

Kenny Jackett praised Wolves’ second half improvement as they produced a professional performance to overcome Oldham at Molineux and continue an impressive start to the season.

Second half goals from James Henry and Leigh Griffiths – after a torrential downpour had affected the first – saw Wolves chalk up another three points to make it 29 points from the first 12 games of the campaign.

Results elsewhere meant Wolves closed the gap to top two Leyton Orient and Peterborough to three points but Jackett was more concerned with the team’s own business and getting the job done on a tricky night.

“The rain came down that heavy in the first half that it did cause a few difficulties,” said the Head Coach.

“We started slowly and the first half was cagey for both teams and we didn’t threaten the back of Oldham enough.

“Although sometimes that is easier said than done particularly early on in a game.

“The heavens opened and it made the rest of the half tough.

“Danny Batth had a good header and Sako from a free kick and they had a header from a corner.

“When it stopped we had a better second half and created chances and got the goals which won us the game.

“I thought we came into our own and moved the ball well in the second half, we upped the tempo and got the crowd behind us.
“Griffiths got into the game and we started to move off him and I thought James Henry had another good game.

“We played enough good football to create the chances which got us in front and also got an excellent clean sheet which always helps.”

There may have been a touch of good fortune about the 50th minute breakthrough as Latics keeper Mark Oxley’s parry of Bakary Sako’s cross rebounded off Henry.

But the power and pace of the delivery made the goal with Henry showing good intent to be so far forward in a central position.

“We were threatening and were just looking for something to break for us,” added Jackett.

“Particularly in these conditions when you whizz it across at pace there are always things going to happen, maybe own goals or deflections, and it becomes a nightmare for defenders.

“We talked about that and at following up at both ends and when we were attacking to get the ball in hard and low.

“On this type of surface and in these conditions it becomes very difficult for defenders to handle.

“If you’re not in and around it in that areas as James Henry was then it doesn’t hit you to go in.

“It was a crucial goal that opened things up and we had other chances as well as we went on and deserved to win.

“It was then an excellent finish and Griffiths came alive in the second half after being a bit quiet in the first.

“It just shows what he can do and he had other opportunities as well and linked well with Henry down this right hand side.”

Jackett was also delighted with a clean sheet as Wolves maintained a very solid start to the season.

The only blot on that landscape was the lost to injury of the so far excellent Matt Doherty, but Jackett said that is where the squad comes in particularly with such a good replacement in Richard Stearman.

“Clean sheets give you a basis to work from but now we lose Matt Doherty with a hamstring injury,” Jackett added.

“He has been a very good player for us so far this season.

“We are hoping it’s not too bad but need now to cover those areas as injuries do come along when the weather changes.

“We do work very hard to try and eradicate and reduce injuries because that is a big part of any successful team and successful club.

“If we want to get promoted as we are aiming for we will need to work really hard to keep as many players as fit as possible and particularly our better players.

“I don’t think he will be out for at this stage but I certainly don’t think he will be ready for Saturday.
“But Richard Stearman is an excellent player to come in.”